According to a report in The New York Times (paywalled), the U.S. government will for the first time not observe World AIDS Day. The State Department has instructed employees and organizations receiving federal funding not to use U.S. government resources for World AIDS Day. The directive is part of a broader policy to “refrain from all communications about commemorative days, including World AIDS Day,” the New Yorker reported citing an internal email.
Employees are allowed to continue “highlighting the work performed” within various programs aimed at combating this deadly disease and other infectious diseases worldwide, the email further states. They may also attend events connected to the remembrance. However, they should “avoid publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communications channels, including social media, press contacts, speeches, or other public-facing communications.”
Cuts to Aid Could Lead to Millions More AIDS Deaths
The Trump administration had already signaled a retreat from the global fight against HIV/AIDS at the start of the year. Funding from the relief organization USAID was cut, including for life-saving HIV medication deliveries, as well as for tuberculosis and malaria programs. The drop in U.S. funding could, according to the German government and health organizations worldwide, lead to more new infections and AIDS-related deaths.
The United Nations’ Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that halting U.S. aid, unless replaced by other sources, could result in about 4.2 million additional AIDS-related deaths by 2029. In total, up to 2030, more than 14 million additional deaths from preventable infectious diseases could follow. Research institutions, for example in South Africa, are also affected by the cuts, which could jeopardize scientific progress in the fight against HIV.
World AIDS Day on December 1 is a global day of action that has been observed since 1988 to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. It serves to remember those who have died from AIDS, to call for solidarity with those affected, and to reduce prejudice and discrimination. On this day, organizations and governments worldwide mobilize for prevention, education, and social cohesion with people living with HIV.
